Locked out of your house? What to do first

Being locked out is stressful, especially at night. A few minutes of calm can save you money and stop a small problem becoming a damaged door.

Check the easy things first

• Try every other door, including the back and any patio doors.
• Check whether anyone else in the house, or a neighbour, has a spare key.
• If you rent, your landlord or letting agent may hold a spare.

Don't force a uPVC door

Pushing hard on the handle or forcing the door can break the gearbox inside it, which turns a lockout into a repair. Forcing a window can crack the frame or the glass.

Get the price before anyone starts

Ask the locksmith for the price on the phone, and ask about call-out fees. We don't charge one, and finding the problem is free. If the mechanism has gone and a part has to be ordered, we fit a temporary lock free and you pay when we come back to fit the new one.

Keep yourself safe

If you're locked out late at night, wait somewhere safe and lit, and keep your phone charged. If anyone is locked inside and at risk, such as a child or someone unwell, call 999 first.